Assembly Resolution No. 585

BY: M. of A. Bronson

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
October 2023, as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in
the State of New York

WHEREAS, Breast cancer is a substantial public health problem in the
United States and, as many recent studies point out, in New York State
particularly; and

WHEREAS, Although mortality rates have fallen as knowledge about the
disease has increased, the number of breast cancer cases diagnosed each
year still continues to rise; and

WHEREAS, Except for skin cancers, breast cancer is the most common
type of cancer among women in the United States; it is estimated that
281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed in women in
the United States in 2021, and 43,600 women will die from the disease
this year; more than new 64,640 cases of non-invasive breast cancer are
also expected to occur among women this year; and

WHEREAS, In addition, about 2,800 cases will be diagnosed in men
this year and about 530 men will die from breast cancer in 2023 in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, New York State receives more research awards from the
National Institutes of Health than any other state, except California;
is home to an important and growing biotechnology industry; and has
quality public and private academic and research institutions and
superior health services institutions; and

WHEREAS, Self breast-examinations and mammography are among the most
effective and widely available methods of early detection of breast
cancer; and

WHEREAS, Several new and promising technologies are being developed
to enhance the early detection of breast cancer, including: ultrasound,
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medi-photonics, new signal processing,
and several kinds of digital computer-enhanced images; and

WHEREAS, In addition to emerging detection and screening techniques,
many new treatment technologies are being explored, ranging from bone
marrow transplant procedures to new drug and hormone treatments; and

WHEREAS, The knowledge and understanding of human genetics have
advanced in the last decade, and with the identification of breast
cancer genes, information that may eventually lead to better detection
and treatment options may, however, raise many ethical questions; and

WHEREAS, Members of statewide breast cancer organizations advocate
for increased funding for breast cancer research, seek to promote
community and legislative awareness of breast cancer issues, and seek to
improve access to breast cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment and
care; and

WHEREAS, Concerns about how environmental factors may be related to
the cause and development of breast cancer helped change the role of
women in the fight against breast cancer from inactive to proactive; and

WHEREAS, The enactment of New York State's Breast Cancer/Pesticide
Registry database law is aimed at finding the cause and hopefully a cure
for this tragic killer; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
reaffirm its commitment to promote an environment that supports and
encourages vigorous research activities, and the institutions engaged in
those activities, to work toward the eradication of the disease; and be
it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to reaffirm its
commitment to foster efforts directed at the advancement of detection,
diagnostic, and treatment technologies for breast cancer; and be it
further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to reaffirm its
commitment to provide women and their families with the resources needed
to address issues related to breast cancer, access to information, and
opportunity to interact with medical experts, researchers, and other
affected individuals and their families; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause further to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim October 2023, as Breast Cancer
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.